The Havurah Initiative
The Havurah Initiative (HI) encourages and provides funding for the formation of ongoing, intimate, peer-led groups that share and explore a Jewish focus of their own choosing. Havurot bring a richness of Jewish experience, personal meaning and interpersonal connection to their members. Each havurah that forms as part of the HI program will have a Connector who brings people together based on shared Jewish interests.
What is the role of the Connector?
- Gather individuals around shared Jewish interests to form a havurah.
- Convene with prospective members and facilitate an initial meeting to discuss group goals, focus, and next steps.
- Help the group develop expectations around scheduling, communication, and decision-making.
- Facilitate the members of the group taking full ownership of all aspects of the havurah.
- Bring the support and resources offered by JFNENY and HGF to the attention of the havurah.
- Maintain regular contact with JFNENY’s HI Coordinator.
- Attend HI-hosted gatherings with other Connectors.
- Meet monthly with the JFNENY’s Coordinator during the first two years.
- Attend HI and JFNENY trainings as applicable.
- Submit havurah reports and receipts timely.
For a Havurah to qualify, it must:
- Have a minimum of seven people
- Meet eight times a year or more
- Have a Jewish focus
- Share leadership among its members
- Agree to the principles of the Jewish Federation of NENY mission
We are currently seeking Connectors to form havurot!
Here are some examples of what a havurah could be: LGBTQIA+, Jews of Color, Jewish Role-Playing or other Games, Jewish Renewal, Young Families, Hiking, Tikkun Olam, Text Study, Cooking, and Music/Arts.
Hevrei Schenectady (Schenectady Young Families)
A group consisting of young families looking to connect within their community, Jewishly.
Novels and Nosh
Bringing together Jewish women of all backgrounds to connect through a welcoming book club, where participants explore literature and engage in thoughtful, Jewish-themed conversations.
People of the Books
for Jewish young adults aged 20s-30s
Engage with art/books and foster discussions about the Jewish World as a whole through literature.
Judaicraft
A Jewish crafting havurah that explores the historical and spiritual roots of Jewish art, blending hands-on creative projects with learning, social connection, and meaningful engagement in Jewish tradition.
What Jew Reading?
A pluralistic Jewish women’s book club of mothers approaching the b’nai mitzvah stage, who meet monthly to discuss Jewish-themed literature, support one another in parenting and navigating Jewish life, and strengthen their Jewish identity and community connection in a post–October 7 world.
Kabir Yamim
A family-centered havurah committed to gathering regularly to celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, share meals and meaningful experiences, and strengthen community, connection, and Jewish identity through both festive and everyday gatherings.
Machers & Mavens
A group of mature couples who originally bonded over games of Mah Jongg and Canasta, who want to continue their connection through a variety of social and Jewish activities.
Active Empty Nesters
A havurah group designed and created for those members of our community whose children have “flown the nest.”
**Havurot that are political in nature, lobbying parties, advocating for specific political parties or initiatives, and/or designed to educate wider audiences will not be approved.
For more information about The Havurah Initiative, contact:
Parker Meyers
(518) 603-6797
pmeyers@jewishfedny.org